Liposuction Plastic Surgery Recovery
Liposuction currently ranks at number one among most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the US. Recovery in case of liposuction is relatively shorter, but it will still vary from one patient to another, depending on the technique used. The liposuction surgeon will discuss various aspects of the procedure, including its estimated recovery, at the time of initial consultation.
Dr. Brian J. Parker is an experienced plastic surgeon providing liposuction and various other procedures of the breast, body and face. Dr. Parker will explain the recovery process to make sure that the patient is fully informed on all aspects.
Factors Impacting Recovery
Factors such as the extent of surgery performed, the type of anesthesia used, the location of the treated area, patient’s individual healing ability, and the technique used by the surgeon will determine how quickly the patient recovers from liposuction plastic surgery. A major liposuction procedure performed under general anesthesia may involve an overnight stay at the hospital. In other cases, the patients can return home the same day.
Immediate Post-op Phase
The patient should have someone to drive them back home following liposuction surgery. Someone should preferably stay with the patient for the first 24 hours for assistance. The cosmetic surgeon may prescribe pain medications and antibiotics for a few days to minimize the risk of infection and provide relief from initial mild pain.
Iron supplements may be prescribed for anemic patients. The surgeon will provide a detailed set of instructions pertaining to post-op care at home, which should be followed carefully until the sutures are removed. Dr. Parker provides liposuction and various other procedures to patients.
First Week of Recovery
The surgeon will wrap the treated area in bandages or provide an elastic support corset to reduce swelling and expedite healing. The elastic support should be worn at least for a week, and probably a few more weeks, depending on the surgeon’s advice. Mild bruising will remain for the first few days, but if the surgery has been more invasive, bruising may more severe.
It will take several weeks for the bruising and swelling to disappear, but the mitigating effect will begin from the second week onwards. Initially, the patient may feel numbness in the treated area, which will disappear on its own in about two months. If the liposuction involves just one area, the patient can expect to return to their normal routine in about a week. In case of more extensive liposuction involving multiple areas, the downtime may range from 10 to 14 days.
Long-term Recovery and Results
It will take about two to three weeks for the swelling and bruising to go away. In this period, the patient can see subtle improvements, but full results will establish gradually as the swelling subsides completely. Fat cells once removed from an area will not reappear in the same area. Results with liposuction are sustainable, but the patient must maintain a regimen of healthy diet and exercise in order to prolong the benefits.
If you would like to learn more about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Brian J. Parker by contacting us at (702) 240-9500.